Nick Sinclair, Director of the Local Area Coordination Network reflects on a recent webinar for the Local Government Association…

Last week, Neil Woodhead the Derby Local Area Coordination Manager and I had the privilege of presenting to a large online audience at an LGA webinar.  It was great to be involved in this event alongside colleagues from Leeds and Gloucester, who shared the valuable work they had been leading through the lens of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD).

Neil and I focussed our presentation on Local Area Coordination and the incredible work that Derby Local Area Coordinators have been involved with during these Covid times but also for the last 10 years in bringing the vision of Local Area Coordination to life in the City. As part of our presentation we talked about how Local Area Coordination and ABCD can really complement each other.

Local Area Coordinators spend their time alongside individuals and families who may be isolated or disconnected from their communities for whatever reason.  It is their job to be present in community to take introductions directly from community members, groups, services, and people themselves.  The deep relationships they form, and the practical action they take in supporting people to unpick their challenges and achieve their vision of a better life, gives people the space they need to identify and share their gifts and get involved in ABCD activity. The two approaches therefore often meet in the heart of community, with Local Area Coordination supporting a truly inclusive Asset Based Community Development approach.

Want to find out more about Local Area Coordination?

Contact us to arrange a chat at cat.thomas@communitycatalysts.co.uk